Potter Co. TX - Obits from the Amarillo newspapers 12 Aug 2001 Thanks to http://www.amarillonet.com/ for permission to upload their obits to the USGenWeb Archives. Copyright, http://www.amarillonet.com/ ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** All Obits - Text Only Area Mike Paulk DALHART - Mike Paulk, 42, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Memorial Park Cemetery at Dalhart with Jim McGhee, pastor of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Hass Funeral Home. Mr. Paulk was born Aug. 11, 1958, in Grants, N.M., to Ray and Lucille (Keyser) Paulk. He and his family moved to Dalhart in the early 60s. Mike was active in the Dalhart High School student council. He graduated in 1977. He was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. He worked as an electrician in Idaho before returning to Dalhart in the late 90s. He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Paulk; and two brothers, Malcolm and Robbie. Survivors include his mother, Lucille Paulk of Dalhart; two sisters, Mary Kay Shelton of Amarillo and Maggie Paulk of Dalhart; five brothers, Charlie Paulk of Kimberly, Idaho; David, James and Johnny Paulk of Amarillo and Donald Paulk of Dalhart; and a half-brother, Wayne Paulk of Livermore, Calif. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 James W. Brister BORGER - James W. Brister, 79, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Caddo Cemetery in Caddo, Okla., with the Rev. Jim Russell, pastor of First Church of the Nazarene in Fritch, officiating. Arrangements are by Minton / Chatwell Funeral Directors. Mr. Brister was a truck driver for Phillips Petroleum Co. for 38 years. He received a ring for one million miles without an accident. Survivors include his wife, Lois; four sons, Samuel Brister, James Brister, and Jerry Brister, all of Durant, Okla., and W.J. Brister of San Antonio; a stepdaughter, Valerie Martin of Breckenridge; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 Lillie Palmer SPEARMAN - Lillie Palmer, 94, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in First Baptist Church with the Rev. John Denton officiating. Burial will be in Hansford Cemetery by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman. Mrs. Palmer married Hollie Thomas Palmer in 1936. Survivors include 11 nieces; and four nephews. The family suggests memorials be to First Baptist Church, Children's Ministries, 123 S. Bernice, Spearman, TX 79081. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 Oklahoma James Michael Wert OKLAHOMA CITY - James Michael Wert, 55, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001. Services will be at 4 p.m. Monday in Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City by Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors. In life and in death we belong to God; in life and in death James Michael Wert belonged to God. As a Presbyterian minister in the PC (USA), he served congregations in Midway, Pa., Amarillo, Houston, Hutchinson, Kan., and Oklahoma City with energy, intelligence, imagination and love. Always relying on God's mercy and rejoicing in God's promise through Jesus Christ, he welcomed his pastoral work into his life as his highest calling. The Rev. James Wert was born in Emmaus, Pa., July 19, 1946, to James Samuel and May (Decker) Wert. One of three sons, he grew in loving relationship with his brothers, Bart and Dave. Together with Linda, he wove strands of love, commitment and the intimate sharing of joy and sorrow to create a life and home upon which their children stand. Known as Daddy, Jim Dad, Pop and friend to Stephanie Wert, Stuart Borrett, Jodi Gaston and Brandon Wert, he will be sorely missed. For three months he knew and embraced with exuberant love his first grandchild, Jakelynn Hale Wert, who will know her Jim Dad through the lives he touched and the memory which lives in us all. The family suggests memorials be to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 N. Shartel Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 Elsewhere Alpha O. Howard ODESSA - Alpha O. Howard, 87, formerly of Sunray, died Friday, Aug. 10, 2001. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in First United Methodist Church of Sunray with Kermit Bell officiating. Burial will be in Lane Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are by Morrison Funeral Directors and Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Mrs. Howard was born Nov. 11, 1913, in Haskell, to Shelby Coffee Bell and Willie Elizabeth Boles Bell. She married Ben Howard on Jan. 7, 1939, in Clinton, Okla. She and her husband had owned and operated Sunray Hardware and Furniture for more than 40 years. Ben preceded her in death in 1982. She and Ben enjoyed traveling and fishing. They traveled to Colorado yearly for many years to fly fish. One thing she enjoyed so much was to cook. She was a loving mother and grandmother and enjoyed being with her family and friends. Survivors include daughters, Linda Kay Sweatt and husband, Charles, of Odessa and Annetta Poe and husband, Alton, of Midland; a sister, Jean Bain of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sisters-in-law, Nita Bell, VaLois Bell and Lela Bell, all of Fritch, Monta Holt of Tularosa, N.M., and Betty Bell of Clarendon; grandchildren, Scott and Judy Poe of St. Cloud, Fla., Chuck Sweatt of Dallas, Steve and Alisha Poe of Cedar Park, Susan Sweatt of Odessa, Craig and Kelley Poe of The Colony and Greg and Kriss Sweatt of Sugar Land; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to Community Care Hospice. The family also wishes to express appreciation to her loving care-givers. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 CANYON Wayne Jon Pafk CANYON - Rev. Wayne Jon Pafk, 54, died Friday, Aug. 10, 2001. Services will be at 7 p.m. Monday in Triumphant Love Lutheran Church. Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday in Shepherd King Lutheran Church at Lubbock. Burial will be in West Shelby, N.Y. by All Faiths Funeral Service-North Chapel. Rev. Pafk was born on Feb. 25, 1947, in Akron, N.Y. He began his studies to become a pastor at Concordia University in Ann Arbor and went on to receive his Masters of Divinity in 1973 at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. His active 28-year ministry began in Rockdale and spanned across the state from Rockport to Lubbock. He was an avid volunteer, sharing his time with many organizations such as the Lion's Club, American Cancer Society in Rockport, Hospice Amarillo, and on the school improvement committee in Lago Vista. His own excitement about faith and his deep desire to spread God's word led his ministry to be very mission-minded. He was always excited to share the amazing love God has given. At the time of his death, he was serving Shepherd King Lutheran Church in Lubbock. His active life also included being a loving husband and father. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Alta; a daughter, Heather of Round Rock; a son, Jon and wife, Michelle, of Austin; his parents, Glenn and Roberta Pafk of Akron; three brothers, Marvin of Akron, Doug of Medina, N.Y., and Dale of Honolulu; a sister, Peggy Glasser of Bethel Park, Pa. The family suggests memorials be to Hospice Austin or Shepherd King Lutheran in Lubbock. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 Amarillo Genice Ghormley Genice Croom Ghormley, 77, of Amarillo, died Friday, Aug. 10, 2001. Private family graveside services will be at Memorial Park Cemetery by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Mrs. Ghormley married Gene. R. Ghormley in Amarillo on July 26, 1942. She was the secretary to the Board of Trustees for the Amarillo Independent School District. Survivors include two brothers, Joe Croom of Amarillo and James Croom of Long Beach, Calif. The family suggests memorials be to BSA Hospice, P.O. Box 950, Amarillo, TX 79176. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 Donald Holland Donald Holland, 64, of Amarillo, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in the Memorial Chapel of Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors, Fifth Avenue and Pierce Street with Ned Creswell, chaplain of V.A. Medical Center of Amarillo, officiating. Cremation is by Memory Gardens Crematory. Mr. Holland was born in Amarillo where he resided most of his life. He retired from the Navy after 25 years as a Chief Petty Officer where he served three tours in the Vietnam War. Prior to his death, he worked at IBP as a security guard. Survivors include his wife, Linda Holland; a son, Darren Holland of Amarillo; three daughters, Dwanda Grigsby and Denise Holland, both of Brokenbow, Okla., and Debbie Holland of Three Rivers, Mich.; three stepsons, Tim Lawrence, Rick Lawrence and Rowdy Titus; a stepdaughter, Delona Reeves; a brother, Gary Holland of Amarillo; three sisters, Peggy Lemons of Fort Worth, Shirley Leavitt and Judy DiGiovanni, both of Amarillo; 15 grandchildren; an uncle, Hawk Boydstun of Amarillo; an aunt, Vera Boydstun of Amarillo; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will be at 1312 S. Lipscomb. The family suggests memorials be to American Heart Association, 2404 W. Seventh, Amarillo, TX 79106. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 William R. Gazzaway William R. "Bill" Gazzaway, 67, of Amarillo, died Friday, Aug. 10, 2001. Graveside services will be at 9 a.m. Monday in Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Landrum Medlock, pastor of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2820 Virginia Circle. Mr. Gazzaway was born in Happy. He moved to Amarillo in 1951. He was an auditor for Pioneer Corp. He married Sally Owens on Sept. 29, 1952, in Amarillo. He was a member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Sally; a son, Kelly Gazzaway of Amarillo; a daughter, Valerie Lowry of Fort Morgan, Colo.; three grandsons, Joseph Lowry, John Lowry and Kenton Gazzaway; a granddaughter, Rachel Lowry; a stepgrandson, T.J. Abernathy; and two great-grandchildren, Clarity and Shawn. The family suggests memorials be to Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, 316 Valley, Amarillo, TX 79108-4634. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 Trecia Mae Smith Trecia Mae Smith, 75, of Amarillo, died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2001. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Llano East Cemetery with Jerry Coffman, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors, 5400 Bell St. Mrs. Smith worked for Levi Straus. She was preceded in death by a son, Randy Smith in 1974. Survivors include four sons, Wendell Smith and Richard Smith, both of Amarillo, Curtis Smith of Corsicana and Kenneth Smith of Huntsville; three daughters, Juanita Upchurch of Amarillo, Linda Garrison of Hartselle, Ala., and Sandi Babcock of Benjamin; seven grandchildren, Lynn Diterio, Trecia Rollins, Bart Upchurch, Lisa Garrison, Amanda Hamilton, Carly Smith, and Caitlin Smith; and six great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to a favorite charity. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 A.E. Ivie A.E. "Butch" Ivie, 56, of Amarillo, died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2001. Services will be at 3 p.m. Monday in the Pioneer Chapel of N.S. Griggs & Sons Funeral Directors, 2615 Paramount Blvd. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Wolfe City. Mr. Ivie was born and raised in Gracemont, Okla., and was a graduate of Gracemont High School. He married Karan Morgan on Dec. 29, 1964, in Amarillo. He moved to Amarillo from Enid, Okla., in 1976. He was a home painter in Amarillo for more than 25 years. He was a partner with his brother in Ivie Painting Services in Amarillo for many years. He was a member of Summitt Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife; a son, Wade Ivie of Amarillo; two daughters, Julie Magee of Caddo Mills and Lori Moore of Greenville; his mother, Ola Ivie of Gracemont; a brother, Charles Ivie of Amarillo; two sisters, Nita Grokett of Caddo Mills and Carolyn Dubois of Anadarko, Okla.; and four grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to the American Heart Association. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 Leroy Leamon Leroy Leamon, 81, of Amarillo, died Friday, Aug. 10, 2001. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. John Love, pastor of Trinity Fellowship, officiating. Arrangements are by Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 E. Interstate 40. Mr. Leamon was born on Jan. 17, 1920, in Monks Town. He served with the Civilian Conservation Corps. during World War II. Survivors include his wife, Minnie; two sons, Loyd Leamon and Roy Leamon, both of Amarillo; a daughter, Sharon Belott of Canyon; six brothers, J.W. Leamon and John Leamon, both of Dallas, Almo Leamon, David Leamon, Bobby Leamon and Guy Leamon, all of Magnum, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 New Mexico Harlan D. Buetow CLOVIS, N.M. - Harlan Buetow, 61, died Monday, Aug. 6, 2001. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in the Elks Lodge No. 1244. The Elks ritual team will officiate. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are by Muffley Funeral Home. Mr. Buetow married Nancy Wakeford on Sept. 13, 1985, in Clovis. He retired as a technical sergeant radar technician from the Air Force in 1979. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Kristie Coffey of Clovis; a stepdaughter, Sherry Scott of Albuquerque; his mother, Dorothy Buetow of Wichita, Kan.; a brother, Bill Buetow of Wichita; two sisters, Linda Bredengerd of Wichita and Connie Buetow of Buffalo, Mo.; and two granddaughters. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 Oklahoma James Michael Wert OKLAHOMA CITY - James Michael Wert, 55, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001. Services will be at 4 p.m. Monday in Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City by Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors. In life and in death we belong to God; in life and in death James Michael Wert belonged to God. As a Presbyterian minister in the PC (USA), he served congregations in Midway, Pa., Amarillo, Houston, Hutchinson, Kan., and Oklahoma City with energy, intelligence, imagination and love. Always relying on God's mercy and rejoicing in God's promise through Jesus Christ, he welcomed his pastoral work into his life as his highest calling. The Rev. James Wert was born in Emmaus, Pa., July 19, 1946, to James Samuel and May (Decker) Wert. One of three sons, he grew in loving relationship with his brothers, Bart and Dave. Together with Linda, he wove strands of love, commitment and the intimate sharing of joy and sorrow to create a life and home upon which their children stand. Known as Daddy, Jim Dad, Pop and friend to Stephanie Wert, Stuart Borrett, Jodi Gaston and Brandon Wert, he will be sorely missed. For three months he knew and embraced with exuberant love his first grandchild, Jakelynn Hale Wert, who will know her Jim Dad through the lives he touched and the memory which lives in us all. The family suggests memorials be to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 N. Shartel Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 Elsewhere Alpha O. Howard ODESSA - Alpha O. Howard, 87, formerly of Sunray, died Friday, Aug. 10, 2001. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in First United Methodist Church of Sunray with Kermit Bell officiating. Burial will be in Lane Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are by Morrison Funeral Directors and Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Mrs. Howard was born Nov. 11, 1913, in Haskell, to Shelby Coffee Bell and Willie Elizabeth Boles Bell. She married Ben Howard on Jan. 7, 1939, in Clinton, Okla. She and her husband had owned and operated Sunray Hardware and Furniture for more than 40 years. Ben preceded her in death in 1982. She and Ben enjoyed traveling and fishing. They traveled to Colorado yearly for many years to fly fish. One thing she enjoyed so much was to cook. She was a loving mother and grandmother and enjoyed being with her family and friends. Survivors include daughters, Linda Kay Sweatt and husband, Charles, of Odessa and Annetta Poe and husband, Alton, of Midland; a sister, Jean Bain of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sisters-in-law, Nita Bell, VaLois Bell and Lela Bell, all of Fritch, Monta Holt of Tularosa, N.M., and Betty Bell of Clarendon; grandchildren, Scott and Judy Poe of St. Cloud, Fla., Chuck Sweatt of Dallas, Steve and Alisha Poe of Cedar Park, Susan Sweatt of Odessa, Craig and Kelley Poe of The Colony and Greg and Kriss Sweatt of Sugar Land; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to Community Care Hospice. The family also wishes to express appreciation to her loving care-givers. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 CANYON Wayne Jon Pafk CANYON - Rev. Wayne Jon Pafk, 54, died Friday, Aug. 10, 2001. Services will be at 7 p.m. Monday in Triumphant Love Lutheran Church. Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday in Shepherd King Lutheran Church at Lubbock. Burial will be in West Shelby, N.Y. by All Faiths Funeral Service-North Chapel. Rev. Pafk was born on Feb. 25, 1947, in Akron, N.Y. He began his studies to become a pastor at Concordia University in Ann Arbor and went on to receive his Masters of Divinity in 1973 at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. His active 28-year ministry began in Rockdale and spanned across the state from Rockport to Lubbock. He was an avid volunteer, sharing his time with many organizations such as the Lion's Club, American Cancer Society in Rockport, Hospice Amarillo, and on the school improvement committee in Lago Vista. His own excitement about faith and his deep desire to spread God's word led his ministry to be very mission-minded. He was always excited to share the amazing love God has given. At the time of his death, he was serving Shepherd King Lutheran Church in Lubbock. His active life also included being a loving husband and father. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Alta; a daughter, Heather of Round Rock; a son, Jon and wife, Michelle, of Austin; his parents, Glenn and Roberta Pafk of Akron; three brothers, Marvin of Akron, Doug of Medina, N.Y., and Dale of Honolulu; a sister, Peggy Glasser of Bethel Park, Pa. The family suggests memorials be to Hospice Austin or Shepherd King Lutheran in Lubbock. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 12, 2001 Click here to return to story: http://www.amarillonet.com/stories/081201/obi_allobits.shtml